Jesus, also known as Isa (alaihis salam) in Arabic, is a revered and significant person in Islam.. While Christians consider Jesus to be the Son of God, Islam considers him to be one of Allah’s most powerful prophets. It is important to understand what the Quran teaches about Jesus, not just for Muslims but also for those who are interested in interfaith harmony. This article discusses the reference to Jesus in the Quran, his mission, miracles, and how Islam considers his life and mission.
Jesus in the Quran: A Noble Messenger
Quranic description of Jesus occurs in various chapters, and the most elaborate descriptions can be observed in Surah Maryam (Chapter 19) and Surah Al-Imran (Chapter 3). Jesus, according to Islam, is not God but a simple human prophet who was commissioned to lead the Children of Israel.
“[He] was no more than a servant: We granted Our favor to him, and We made him an example to the Children of Israel.” (Quran 43:59)
This verse bears witness that Prophet Isa was Allah’s dear servant, not a god.
Birth of Jesus: A Miraculous Sign
The most prominent aspect of the miraculous birth of Jesus (peace be upon him) in the verses of the Holy Quran is his birth. He was born to Mary (peace be upon her) without a father by the will of Allah.
“Behold! the angels said, ‘O Mary! Allah gives you good news of a word from Him. His name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary…” (Quran 3:45)
His birth has been described as Allah’s miracle, not proof of divinity.
“Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was.” (Quran 3:59)
This verse is making a comparison between the creation of Jesus and Adam because both were created without a father.
Miracles Performed by Jesus
Jesus, or Hazrat Isa (alaihis salam), showed numerous miracles on the will of Allah, such as curing the blind and the leper, bringing life to the dead, and making a bird out of clay.
“I heal the blind and the leper, and I bring the dead to life—by Allah’s leave.” (Quran 3:49)
These miracles are not of his divinity but as a sign of being connected with the divine as a messenger.
Jesus and the Injil (Gospel)
Jesus was blessed in Islam with a holy book known as the Injil or Gospel. The Quran testifies to the revelation of the Gospel as light and guidance unto his people.
“And We sent, following in their footsteps, Jesus, the son of Mary, confirming the Torah before him. And We gave him the Gospel…” (Quran 5:46)
Yet Muslims think that the original Injil has changed over time and is currently the final and preserved word of Allah.
Jesus Was Not Crucified
The crucifixion matter is among the most basic in the contrast between Islam and Christianity. The Quran refutes the crucifixion of Jesus and thinks that he did not perish and was not crucified, but was deceived to look like he had been crucified.
“And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them.” (Quran 4:157)
Islam believes that Allah took Jesus unto Himself, and he was not injured by his foes.
“Rather, Allah raised him to Himself. And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Quran 4:158)
Return of Jesus
According to Islamic eschatology, Prophet Isa will return before the Day of Judgement, defeat Dajjal, the false messiah, and establish justice. Although not spoken of directly in the Quran, this is firmly based in valid Hadiths.
Jesus’ Meaning in Islam and Urdu
In Islam, the name of Jesus (Isa) reflects purity, obedience, and prophecy. He is referred to as Masih (Messiah), which means “the anointed one.”
- Jesus Meaning in Urdu: Hazrat Isa ka matlab hai “Allah ka paighambar,” ya “Masih.”
- Jesus Christ Meaning in Urdu: Masih Isa, Allah ke muqaddas paighambar, jo Bani Israel ki hidayat ke liye bhejay gaye.
The name “Jesus in Urdu” or “Jesus Urdu” refers to his comprehension in Islamic and Urdu books, generally focusing on his miracles and piety.
Where in the Quran Does It Mention Jesus?
If you want to know where in the Quran it mentions Jesus, some of the famous verses are given below:
- Surah Al-Imran (3:45-59): Annunciation of Jesus’ birth
- Surah Maryam (19:16-36): Maryam’s story and Jesus’ speech as an infant
- Surah Al-Maidah (5:110): Miracles of Jesus
- Surah An-Nisa (4:157-158): Denial of crucifixion
- Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:59-65): Clarifying Jesus’ status as a prophet
These Quran verses about Jesus collectively affirm his role as a righteous messenger, not divine.
Interfaith Harmony: Respecting Jesus
Respecting all prophets, including Prophet Isa, is endorsed by Islam. Believing in Jesus is mandatory in Islam. Disbelieving any prophet, including him, is disbelief.
“The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All believe in Allah, His angels, His books, and His messengers, [saying], ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers.'” (Quran 2:285)
Summary: Jesus in the Quran
In brief, these are the principal Islamic teachings regarding Jesus in the Quran:
- Jesus is not God’s Son; he is a prophet.
- He was born miraculously to the Virgin Mary.
- He performed miracles by Allah’s will.
- He was given the Injil (Gospel).
- He was not crucified but raised to Heaven.
- He will return before the Day of Judgment.
- Belief in Jesus is part of Islamic faith.
FAQs About Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) in the Quran
Who is Jesus in Islam?
In Islam, Jesus, also known as Isa (عليه السلام), is regarded as one of the most potent and esteemed prophets that Allah has ever sent to the Children of Israel. He is an Allah-sent messenger, not God.
Does the Quran support the idea that Jesus is the Son of God?
No, the idea that Jesus is the Son of God is flatly denied in the Quran. Islam is strict monotheism (Tawheed) and holds that Jesus was a servant and prophet of Allah and not divine or part of a trinity.
Was Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) born without a father?
Indeed, the Quran states that Jesus was miraculously born without a father to Maryam (Mary). Just as Allah created Adam (عليه السلام) from dust, He created him by saying, “Be,” and he was.
Did Jesus do miracles in Islam?
Yes, Jesus (Isa عليه السلام) did various miracles by Allah’s will, such as curing the blind and lepers, raising the dead, and creating a bird from clay.
What book of scripture was given to Jesus (Isa عليه السلام)?
Jesus was given a sacred book, the Injil, which was guidance and light. But the Muslims think that the original Injil has been modified over a while and not in the same book as it was initially.
Was Isa عليه السلام crucified or did he not receive crucifixion according to the Quran?
No, according to the Quran, Jesus was not crucified or slain. Rather, it was performed upon the people, and Allah raised him unto Himself.
Will Isa عليه السلام return before the Day of Judgment?
The return of Jesus before the Day of Judgement to defeat the false messiah (Dajjal), establish real monotheism, and bring justice is indeed confirmed by Islamic prophecy. This comes from reliable Hadiths.
Is it obligatory to believe in Jesus according to Islam?
Yes. Believing in all the prophets, including Jesus (Isa عليه السلام), is integral to Islamic belief. In Islam, not believing in any of the prophets is considered unbelief.
Why is the term “Masih” (Messiah) in Islam significant?
The term “Masih” is “the anointed one.” It is Jesus’ honorific title in Islam, which represents his unique status and rank as a messenger of Allah.
Further Islamic Question
“Disclaimer: The Quranic verses and Hadiths quoted in this blog are presented as-is, for educational purposes. Moreover, if you find any mistakes, kindly contact us so we can correct them. We highly respect Islamic teachings and strive for 100% accuracy.”
